Deciding to change jobs is a significant decision, particularly early in your career. Nonetheless, there are some good reasons to change jobs. Jobs for college graduates are still not as plentiful as they once were due to the lingering effects of the recession, which only adds stress to a potential job change. Here are several good reasons why it may be time to change your current job.

You have a new job offer

A formal offer for another job that will provide better opportunities, or be a better fit with your career interests, is a good reason to change your current job. It’s a good idea to be sure you have an offer in writing from your new employer before giving notice at your current job.

Change in career interest

Career trajectories are increasingly fluid as people not only work for more companies than in the past, but frequently work in more than one career during their lifetime. It’s not uncommon for new graduates who are just starting their career to discover that their interests are taking them in a different direction than they once thought. A change in career interest can be a good reason to consider changing your current job, and one that can easily be explained to future employers.

You have your current job

Not all jobs are equal, nor are all organizations the same. You may find yourself in a job that is a poor fit for your skills, interests, or personality. You may also find yourself at an organization that is not a good fit. In either case, you may find yourself hating your job as a result of the work you do, the people you must work with, or the culture of the organization.

Sometimes the best thing to do when you hate your job is to find new ways to deal with the job for a while. However, sometimes the best thing you can do is to move on to another opportunity where you will be able to thrive.

How to leave your current job

It is rarely a good idea to leave a job on poor terms. This is particularly important early in your career. Be sure to give proper notice to your current employer, and keep the separation as professional and friendly as possible. Even if you hate your current job, you will still probably need a reference in the future.
Deciding when it is the right time to change jobs is a big decision. You can learn more about jobs for college graduates by browsing the articles at FirstJob’s blog.